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Review of TO THE MOON AND BACK by Karen Kingsbury

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Christian fiction that is available now at your local bookseller

This was a fantastic book about a couple of young people who were strongly affected by the Oklahoma City bombing. Brady was only five when his mom was killed there, using her body to protect his so that he was a survivor. Jenna was the same age, but she was safely ensconced with her grandmother when both her parents were killed during the terrorist attack. They meet one year at the memorial site and have an instant connection. This is the moving story of their struggle to forgive and to move on from the bombing, with God as the center of their lives. The Baxters get involved when Ashley decides to try to bring the two of them together. I loved that Brady was a hero firefighter and Jenna was a successful teacher. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a tale with realism, drama and an ending that isn’t a surprise, but it is so heartwarming that you will be happy to have read it.

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked out this book from my local library on the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

God Is There For Me

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized25 Comments

Well, my friends, it has been a rough week. On Tuesday, I went to the emergency room with chest pains and shortness of breath. I was resting at home when my brother called, the one who is a Chief Firefighter in Florida, and told me that a little “birdie” had told him that I wasn’t well. He told me that I had to go to the ER right away since my symptoms were those of a heart attack. So, my husband and I headed out about eleven. After multiple tests and needles, I was sent home with the diagnosis of pleurisy and an hiatal hernia. No problem, right? Just rest and take meds that they gave me. Not so fast! I was told to contact the surgeon whose name they had provided as soon as possible. When I did, the surgeon wanted to see me yesterday. So, off I went again. This time I found out that I have a para-esophageal hernia, an hiatal hernia that is not as frequent and that is also very risky. According to the surgeon, my entire stomach has left my digestive cavity and is in my chest cavity next to my heart. Surgery is not an option but is absolutely necessary (the sooner the better) since my stomach can get twisted around my heart. So, on Monday, I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist for a consultation for him to run a camera down my esophagus. On Wednesday, I have to swallow that yucky stuff for an upper GI series at radiology. And I have to call my cardiologist for an appointment as soon as possible so that he can clear me for surgery. While I am pondering all of this, what hit me like a brick is that I probably won’t be able to travel to see my grandchildren, a trip planned for a few months now. Disappointment has overwhelmed me, sidling up to the fear that comes with facing surgery again. Plus, I am on a special diet, more restrictive than my diet after my stroke: no bread, no crackers, no cookies, no nuts, no berries, no carbonated beverages, no chips or popcorn, no fried foods, and no meat of any kind except fish. The list goes on and on, but it took away a lot of the things that I can normally eat and left me eating things that I don’t really like along with the restrictions on sugar and salt that went with having a stroke. Why am I complaining to you this way? Because on Tuesday, before I went to the ER, the Lord gave me several Scriptures. Then, yesterday, before heading out to see the surgeon. He gave me a third one. These are the rocks that I am standing on, and I wanted to share them with you.

This is the verse that God gave me when I read my devotional on Tuesday, the day that I spent in the ER. God is my stronghold, no matter what is happening to me. I thought about that and I figured out that He has a strong hold on me, just as I have a strong hold on Him. He is not letting me go, no matter what I have to go through. He is caring for me as I hide behind Him. Could He heal me and then I would not need the surgery? Of course! And I will continue to pray and believe for that (although I confess that my belief is not as strong as I would like it). But even if He doesn’t heal me and I do have to have the surgery, God is still caring for me. Awesome!

This is the other verse that God gave me on Tuesday, keeping me calm during my ordeal at the hospital because I knew that God was right there beside me. He is still working out His plan for my life. He is not leaving me alone; my Creator knows just what I need and He will supply it, even making sure that I see a competent surgeon yesterday, and one whom I trusted right away.

God is walking before me; that is the verse that He gave me yesterday. He has blessed me for all the years of my life, but especially for the last forty five since I met Him as my Lord and Savior. No, I may not get to see my grandchildren for Christmas because of the risks of traveling as well as the risk of waiting to have the surgery. But, Christmas will still be in my heart because it is the day that I celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world! And thanks to the miracle of technology, I will be able to see my grandchildren open their gifts on Skype. Ideal? Of course not! What I had planned and hoped for? No, but when my plans don’t work out, I have to trust that God has a better one, like making sure that I am healthy to live more years and to continue to enjoy my grandchildren as they grow up.

So, if you are making plans and there is certainly a halt in your plans, don’t worry or fret. Just be aware that God is in control, that He is working out a plan for you and that He will be your refuge and stronghold through the valleys that you may have to go through. Remember that you are going through the valley, not staying there. I am headed for a mountaintop, with God right beside me, and I hope that is where you are headed, too. By the way, if you have any low-sodium recipes for baked fish, please pass them along. Thank you and many blessings to you and your household!

Review of MIND GAMES by Nancy Mehl

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized8 Comments

This is a stunning and amazingly well-written first book in a series! Kaely Quinn is an FBI profiler who has a deep faith that gives her the courage to face all of the naysayers of her quirky methodology. I thought it was amusing that she had conversations with her imaginary suspects, but it worked for her. When Noah Hunter is sent to work with her at the St Louis office, the romantic sparks begin, but Kaely is totally focused on her job, i.e. finding the serial killer terrorizing St. Louis. Kaely is an engaging and mysterious protagonist who has untraditional methods that work. The elements of faith are subtly woven into the story via the character of Kaely. The villain was a surprise, even though I was sure that I had it all figured out. This was a brilliant suspense novel that will have you reading long into the night and asking yourself, “How long until I can read the next Kaely Quinn thriller?”

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”



Who Is Your Teacher?

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized9 Comments

As a career teacher, this Scripture means a lot to me. I remember fondly the teachers in elementary and high school who touched my life and influenced me to become the person that I have become. There was the seventh grade teacher who understood that I had physical limitations and allowed me to stay in and sit with her during recess. My favorite memory is of my high school Spanish teacher who knew how shy I was; nevertheless, she challenged me daily to write on the board and explain my answers to the class. Now, of course, I was not the only one who was required to do that, but I seemed to be the one that she added encouraging words each time I was successful. She nominated me to go to a special school one summer for those who were talented in foreign languages. I will always remember my beloved Sra. Mary Smith, mostly because I emulated her my whole adult life, becoming a demanding and loving Spanish teacher. I have a framed needlepoint picture from one of my students that says, “A good teacher teaches from the heart.” That is what I learned from Sra. Smith and what I tried hard to do during my entire career.

Now that I am an adult, I am still learning, so I still have teachers. One is my pastor at my church, from whom I learn new things to reflect on weekly. I also learn from my children and grandchildren; in their innocence and love, they teach me to be young and innocent again, expecting the best from everyone whom I meet. But, most importantly, after I became a Christian in 1973, the Holy Spirit came to live within me and to teach me God’s truth. When I begin to stray from the path He wants me on, I hear his voice gently prodding me to go the right way. He teaches me daily as I read the Word. I don’t have my own interpretation of what the Bible is saying to me because I depend on the Holy Spirit to help me to apply God’s Word to me and my life. All that He teaches me is truthful and draws me closer to Christ. After all, that is the purpose of my life, to draw closer to Christ and then to tell others about my experiences so that they too, hopefully, can get closer to the Great Teacher.

So, think about your teachers. Appreciate them for what they poured into your life. Then, realize that God pours His Spirit into your life daily if you will allow Him to do so. He wants to teach you; his desire is for you to grow closer to Christ by learning His truths. Just accept the teaching of the Holy Spirit. That’s all…listen and apply His truth to your life. You will never be the same once the Holy Spirit becomes your teacher!

Review of WHEN WE WERE YOUNG by Karen Kingsbury

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Noah and Emily have had a charmed life of love and laughter, that is until they don’t any more.  When the book opens, Noah is getting ready to leave and settle into his own apartment.  Their marriage is broken and neither knows how to fix it, not even for the sake of their two small children. I enjoyed how the author drew me slowly into the story of this young couple.  It made me reflect on my own young marriage and how things had changed but how we had somehow managed to stay together.  The marriage advice given at the end of the book is well worth reading, complete with Scriptures.  I do agree with the author that too many couples go into marriage thinking that if it doesn’t work, there is always divorce.  God never meant that to be an option unless there’s adultery or abuse, so everyone should take their vows seriously.  That is the takeaway from this novel, and it is written beautifully, with heart and soul.  

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I own this book as part of my collection on my Nook.  I was not required to write a positive review, so the opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Review of THE NOEL DIARY by Richard Paul Evans

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This is one of those books that should be in everyone’s Christmas collection of novels for the holiday.  Jacob Churcher is a bestselling author whose mother has just died.  He has to return to his hometown to settle her affairs and finds more than one secret in her house of hoarding.  In his attempt to clean up after his mom, he also ends up cleaning up some of the past in his own life.  He also meets Rachel, a young lady trying to find her mother, Noel, who lived with the Churchers when Jacob was very young. I loved how the story unraveled slowly and how the diary entries of Noel showed me her heart and what she had been through.  It was an insightful and terrific book to read for the holidays with a message of forgiveness and hope for the Christmas season!

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I purchased this book from Amazon for my Kindle.  I was not required to write a positive review, so the opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”



Monumental: A Movie You Really Need to See

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I am not a documentary type viewer at all!  I like to be entertained when I watch movies and not think too much, like the Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.    But today, our “Fun Bunch” at church (the group for those of us over 55) had lunch together and then watched “Monumental”, a documentary by Kirk Cameron.  It was awesome!  The message was spot on and absolutely necessary for those of us who are losing hope for our nation.  We are a lost people because we have lost our moral compass.  The United States of America was founded on the faith of our fathers. All of the things that our children have been taught in school about the pilgrims and the founding of our nation leave out the faith that our nation was based on.  I needed this movie today.  You just really have to watch it for yourselves.  It will make you think about your beliefs and your legacy. 

We who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior will escape the coming judgment of God and we have already escaped the trap that is sin in our lives.  Are you shouting for joy yet?  You should be, because without salvation, you continue in sin, and that is all that you can teach your children and grandchildren—your sinful lifestyle.  But once you are a Christian, your life is based on faith and that is what you teach your children and grandchildren.  That is what our mission is…to share our faith with others. After all, Jesus said,, “Go!”  

Right now we are in a world that is full of sin, but we are the victors and can look forward to a final victory, i.e. a new heavens and a new earth, with the whole world filled with the righteousness of God.  Hallelujah!  No more sin!  No more temptation!  No more evil in the world and on the nightly news!  I leave you with the good news that victory is ours and our children’s, all those for whom we care and want to see them in Heaven with us.  Faith is sometimes hard because it’s believing when you can’t see it.  I’ve never seen the wind, but I know it exists because I hear it and can see the leaves blow from the trees.  Likewise, I have never seen God, but He manifests Himself daily to me, encouraging me to continue in the work that He has given me to do until He calls me home.  Today, He encouraged me with a DVD shown at church.  “MONUMENTAL” is a movie that you will not want to miss if you need encouragement about what is going on in our world, or it you need to give encouragement to others and don’t quite know how or where to begin.  Check it out!  “MONUMENTAL” is a movie to be cherished because it makes you focus on your roots and your legacy, before God calls you home.  Blessings and prayers from my house to yours.  



Random Act of Kindness

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized12 Comments

November 28, 2018

Thank you to Gail at  gaillovesgod.blog for nominating me for this award.  She has been so kind and encouraging to me that she epitomizes kindness and the love of God.  So, thank you, Gail!

RULES FOR THIS AWARD:  

My paragraph about a RAK that happened recently:

Last week I had an appointment with my nephrologist, which is a kidney specialist.  I started seeing her about five or six years ago when my kidney function decreased and my primary care doctor was concerned since I only have one kidney (I was born with one).  Anyway, Dr. Kinsel had just had tests run and discovered that my one kidney is smaller than a normal one, so she wanted me to follow up with my endocrinologist to make sure that I don’t overwhelm my kidney with calcium but that I get enough for my bones.  Anyway, this week has been a struggle to contact my arthritis doctor and have labs sent and my nephrologist to have the lab work sent that she had done.  I called my endocrinologist numerous times, chatting with one receptionist or another about whether my test results had arrived at their office yet.  Finally, Diane said that she would take care of making sure that my results get there and then call me to set up the appointment with my endo.  If you know anything about doctor’s offices these days, you know that they don’t normally go out of their way to be helpful because they have  so many people to take care of and it must be overwhelming at times.  Not only has Diane gone out of the way to get my test results, she has assured me that she will take care of all the details on her end, including the necessary appointment at the office closest to me.  Ta-dah!  I can now relax in the knowledge that she is taking care of things for me.  Isn’t that what Jesus does for us?  He gives us rest…no matter what we are going through.  I must admit that I was already upset about the news of a small kidney, so to have a receptionist be so kind and understanding went way beyond the pale for me.  I hope that everyone who reads this will lift up a prayer of thanksgiving for Diane and people like her that add a little kindness to the day and a smile to the lips!  

My nominees are the following people who have encouraged me big ways and little and I know that anything that they write about kindness will encourage you:

Tosin at aletheasmind.wordpress.com

Brenda at becominghistapestry.com

Bruce at brucesbible.website

If anyone else has had a random act of kindness happen to them or you have done one, feel free to participate.  Let’s share the love and let people know that God still works on earth though His people!  

Getting to Know God

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Have you ever met someone new and you immediately know in your heart that you want to get to know them better?  If so, think back about how you got to know that person.  For me, I think of my best friend, the one who passed away in March.  Heidi and I were very different, but we just clicked on another level.  We were both teachers who demanded a lot from our students, so we were not the most popular, although we did seem to be always busy working to help our students.  We shared ways that we helped our students to succeed.  We shared our home lives, and the problems with our grown children.  We shared about the everyday challenges that life brings.  We ate lunch together daily, met together in the morning and most afternoons before going home.  So, we got to know each other pretty well.  So much so that when Heidi’s husband left her for another woman, she came to me.  When she found Bob (her widow), we met together as couples and my husband became Bob’s friend, just as I was Heidi’s.  I was the matron of honor in her wedding.  When she got ill, Bob called me and I went to the hospital frequently to spend time with Heidi while Bob and Harry went out to lunch.  Why would I give you all of these details?  Because I want to illustrate that you form relationships with people by spending time with them.  You also form a relationship with God by spending time with Him.  How do you do that?  Pray.  Read His Word.  Meditate on His Word.  Talk to God, and then sit quietly and listen for Him to speak to you.  Many people are drive-through Christians.  They drive up to the window, tell God what they need for the day and keep on driving, never paying attention to the fact that God may have something more for them than what they are demanding of Him for that day.  We cannot know the  hidden things of God unless we listen to Him.  How did the prophets like Jeremiah know what to say?  How did Daniel know how to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?  Because they took time to wait on God and listen.  I am not chiding my readers so much as reminding myself.  A wise preacher told me long ago,”If you are no longer hearing from God, then go back to the last place you did hear from Him and go from there.”  I desire to hear from God; I desire to please Him and to know Him in a way that I can tell Him anything and He can do likewise with me.  I want Him to be my best friend, just as Heidi was.  No secrets…just a close relationship that means I can trust God and He can trust me.  Think about it.  

Review of THE MEMORY HOUSE by Rachel Hauck

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This is one of those magical books that makes you feel good and that only happens infrequently.  The author immediately draws you into the story of Beck, a hard and angry police sergeant in New York City, the same city in which her dad gave his life on 9-11.  She is bitter and angry but can’t seen to get to the bottom of her feelings until she finally gets suspended from work because of her actions.  This suspension gives her time to find out what is going on down south since she inherits a house from a former neighbor that she doesn’t even remember very well.  It is in Everleigh’s former home that Beck seeks to find herself.  This is a romantic mystery; the story of why Everleigh left the house to Beck is revealed slowly via the tale of both of their lives.  Flashbacks are used well, as is the point of view switching between these two main characters.  Both women need courage to face down the tragedy of the past so that they will be able to move into a promising future.  Both need healing, and God is part of this process in a way that is subtle but miraculous.  Rachel Hauck does a masterful  job of writing a novel that will stay with me for a long time since the heroines are strong female characters who overcome obstacles that would fatally cripple others.  Fans of Christian fiction should definitely read this book; fans of romance will love it; and fans of mystery will be surprised at the way the stories of the two women mingle and form one beautiful tale.

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review, so the opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”  

Coming on April 2, 2019.  But you can pre-order it  now from your favorite bookseller.